February and Birthdays

Yesterday our family gathered to celebrate three important birthdays. This week TJ is turning 2 and J3 turns 4, and (aunt/grandma) Judy turned 60 yesterday! It was a busy, loud, fun, hilarious, joyful afternoon.selah_candace_rose_birthday_1 We wanted a {nice} picture of the two birthday boys together, but either one or the other was picking his nose. Finally in exasperation, Katie said, “Fine. You both pick your nose!” To which both boys obliged (not pictured)…

Instead of a party for Judy, we all brought her flowers or a plant. By the time everyone’s plants had arrived, the kitchen smelled like a warm summer day out in the sun!selah_candace_rose_birthday_2There were plenty of gifts for the two boys, a tasty cake, and lots of fun games! J4 slept through much of the party, sleeping through all his snuggles! selah_candace_rose_birthday_3 selah_candace_rose_birthday_eat_1 J3 nicely shared his pop with TJ, and J2 was a hoot as he made faces and started building a car with grapes for wheels and pretzels for everything else.selah_candace_rose_birthday_eat_2 When it was cake time, TJ enjoyed his cake fully and J3 went after J2’s ice cream. He LOVES his ice cream!!selah_candace_rose_birthday_eat_3 There were so many fun games for the kids (and adults) to play. The party theme was Paw Patrol, and each game was paired with one of the characters.selah_candace_rose_birthday_games_1 selah_candace_rose_birthday_games_2 TJ was super enthusiastic and cheered for everyone who completed moving the cotton ball rocks from one end of the room to the other. Everyone there couldn’t help but cheer along!selah_candace_rose_birthday_games_3 In between playing games and eating, gifts were opened (J3, “YOU bought this. For ME?! It is for me?!) and played with by all.selah_candace_rose_birthday_gifts_1 selah_candace_rose_birthday_gifts_2 selah_candace_rose_birthday_love_1 And, as with every family gathering, not only is there tons of food and laughter, but tons of love. And baby snuggles. And cousin hugs while watching videos. And coordinating outfits.selah_candace_rose_birthday_love_2Happy valentine’s day!